We are redeemed by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone. The Apos- tle James, in his book, underscores that genuine saving faith is accompanied by a life of works that demonstrate the reality of saving faith. Since faith in Christ and his cross-work is a transforming thing, those who believe in Jesus are personally engaged in the spiritual battle of growing in grace.


In this passage, Jesus is not teaching that we are saved by our removal of sin; however, he pleads with those who have been forgiven much that they may bear the fruit of repentance in lives glowing in holiness. A life that remains unchanged by Christ in which faith makes no differ- ence may continue without engaging in the battle with sin – with all hands, feet, and eyes, but it will be cast into hell. Dr. Sinclair B Ferguson reminds us “Only when we aim at the complete eradication of sin are we likely to have any success     two alternatives: kill sin, or sin will even- tually kill us” (Let’s Study Mark, p. 154). Jesus uses the word for hell associated


with the valley of Hinnom, where pagans  -               burned perpetually. It came to symbol- ize eternal punishment. Indeed there are - gaged in the battle against individual sin. While Jesus’ focus is on our own sin, there is always a spillover effect of sin on others. If our teaching, behavior, or ex- ample causes a little one who believes to sin, Christ says it would be better for us to have a large millstone hung around our neck and cast into the sea.


Jesus’ language of millstones and vol- untary loss of limbs may seem extreme. We may react to the word choice, but it is by design. Jesus radically calls his dis- ciples to decisively deal with sin. Jesus’ reference in the short verse 49 refers to the whole body like a burnt-offer-          accompanied with salt. In our offering of       


dross of our lives and may take the place          each other.


Jesus rounds out his teaching on dis- cipleship, calling upon his followers to remain faithful and thereby impactful upon society. Salt has both a distinctive       followers are not to lose their distinc-  failure to address sin in their lives. Many Christians have been side-lined in effec- tive Christian ministry because of their failure to address personal sin. May we retain the saltiness we have through our union with Christ. This leads not only to a life of impacting the unbelieving world around us, but a life of peace with fellow disciples of Jesus Christ. There is a pow- erful witness of Christian fellowship of brothers and sisters who love Christ, one another, and are decisively dealing with their own sins.


Reverend David Lauten is the Vice Modera- tor of Synod and Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC.


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The Associate Reformed Presbyterian


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